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Dean Pleger named next president of Lake Superior State University

1/21/14

UW-Baraboo/Sauk County Dean Tom Pleger has been selected to serve as the next president of Lake Superior State University (LSSU) in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. LSSU’s board of trustees is expected to formalize Dr. Pleger’s appointment at its regular meeting on Jan. 24.

“This decision is one that I made in partnership with my wife Teresa and after much consideration and consultation with our family, friends, and colleagues,” said Pleger. “I am truly honored by this opportunity, and I believe it is a direct reflection of the great work we have all done together on behalf of higher education and the students we serve.”

LSSU is a public university that enrolls approximately 3,000 students, employs 115 full-time faculty, and offers undergraduate degrees in 45 areas of study, along with a graduate degree in education/curriculum and instruction. The 115-acre campus overlooks the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario, the St. Mary's River, and the Soo Locks, which are the busiest locks in the world.

LSSU is known for its Aquatics Research, Environmental Analysis, Product Development, and Robotics laboratories. The school’s NCAA Division I hockey team has won five national championships, and its annual Banished Words List receives worldwide media coverage.

Pleger, who has served as UW-BSC’s campus executive officer and dean since 2006, will take over at LSSU’s eight president on July 1, 2014. He will replace retiring LSSU President Tony McLain.

In the coming weeks, Pleger says he will work closely with UW Colleges and campus administration to develop a plan that will ensure a smooth transition.

“Teresa and I are extremely grateful for the friendships we have built over the years, and we look forward to our new opportunity with the knowledge that the future is bright for the University of Wisconsin System and for UW-Baraboo/Sauk County,” he said.

“At UW-BSC, we have in place an excellent team of faculty and staff, our partnerships are stronger than ever, our programming is innovative and diverse, and we are preparing to break ground on a new residence hall and new science facilities. UW-BSC truly is poised for continued excellence, success, and service to students.”